When Charles Ruff won his seat on the Cobb County commission, he knew it was a victory that he shared with someone else in his family: His mother, Hattie Mae Ruff.
"Roy Barnes asked me how many people I thought voted for Charles Ruff, and how many people I thought voted for Hattie's son," Mr. Ruff said. "And I said that I imagined over half of them voted for Hattie's son."
Mrs. Ruff, who served on the county boards of the chamber, the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society, and was appointed to the state board of the Department of Human Resources by three different governors, was known all across the county, her son said. She had a reputation as a fearless campaigner and fundraiser for people and groups she chose to support.
"She was a big participant with the Eastern Stars and worked very hard for them," said Cobb Commissioner Woody Thompson. "I remember she used to come by my dad's cleaners when they were having a fish fry. She never asked me if I wanted to buy any dinners, she asked how many she needed to drop off. You just don't turn Hattie Mae down."
Hattie Mae Rutledge Ruff, of Mableton, died Sunday at Tranquility WellStar Community Hospice, from complications of congestive heart failure. She was 89. A funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at White Columns Funeral Chapel, Mableton, which is also in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Ruff wasn't always involved in Cobb's political scene. For years the Paulding County native worked with her husband, M.B. Ruff, who had several businesses over the years, including running grocery, furniture and fabric stores. After Mr. Ruff's unexpected death in 1972, she blossomed into a political force to be reckoned with in Cobb County.
"I think she knew almost all of the women in five counties on the account of the Eastern Stars," Mr. Ruff said, followed by a hearty laugh. "But when she decided she was going to support somebody, she was gung-ho for you, all of the way."
Mrs. Ruff was also known for her caring and generous spirit, Mr. Thompson said.
"I think she went to about every funeral that came down the pike," he said. "But she wanted [the families] to know she was thinking about them, so she went and I'm sure people appreciated it."
Mr. Ruff said his mother loved life, and was looking forward to celebrating her 90th birthday in September.
"She was a very social person and she loved people," he said. "She lived a great life, and she enjoyed every day of it."
In addition to her son, Mrs. Ruff is survived by three grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.
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